The Operating System
The leading platforms are based on OSs from PalmSource, Microsoft, RIM and Symbian, but it is any one the undisputed champ? No. Each has strengths and weaknesses, and in this close race, supremacy has not yet been determined. However, enterprises should strongly consider narrowing the number of platforms they support; each demands a considerable investment to develop the expertise and tools that will let you make the most of its capabilities.
The first question to ask about a data application is whether it makes sense on a wireless platform. While some small-platform apps are truly handy, others are painful to use. Try viewing a common high-traffic Web page, for example, with a PDA over a cellular connection. The page will be molasses-slow to load, and because it was designed for a large screen, almost impossible to use.
In contrast, try viewing the small-screen version of BBC News at news.bbc.co.uk/text_only.stm. Now we're talking about a pleasant browsing experience. Unfortunately, content like this is the rare exception. And getting most existing networking apps--which were designed for large screens, full keyboards and high-speed LAN connections--to run on these small platforms in a way that makes sense for users is a major market barrier.
The best apps for wireless platforms are time-critical and might involve users standing or walking with their devices, such as short messaging, sales support, field service and inventory.
In the past, primary limitations may have been memory and processing power. But today, user-interface considerations and application porting are bigger issues. Some specific items to take into account are:
Pending 6GHz spectrum availability, faster speeds, and private wireless access use drive FWA forward.
The new HPE Aruba 730 series Wi-Fi 7 access points tout high performance, enhanced security, location tracking capabilities, and more.
Verizon is demoing crowd analytics technology that uses 5G along with AI and mobile edge computing to give stadium operators insights into the flow of fans throughout a venue.
